Page 63 of Wanted By the Wolves

I should be used to this.I am used to this.

I don’t understand why being in danger is hitting me so hard. I’ve let myself get too comfortable, let myself forget how unsafe the world is. Or maybe it’s that I’ve only had to worry about myself for so long and I can’t stand the thought of any of them getting hurt.

Dex scoops me up, settling me against his chest. “It’s all right, sweet girl. I promise.”

I bury my nose in his neck, letting that deeply comforting scent soothe my frayed nerves.

“They’re okay. My littermate bond would let me know if there was trouble.” He keeps up a steady stream of chatter, trying to reassure me.

Time keeps wobbling, speeding up and slowing down. I’m barely aware of Dex moving us, of his words. I suck in his scent and try to hang on.

They’re going to be okay. They’re coming back.

Cold wind whips in from the open front door. I hear Briggs’s melodic voice, followed by Gage’s gruff sound. Dex carries me from the nest, and I scramble from his arms, leaping for them,hands everywhere, checking that they’re all right. They’re naked from their shift and freezing, but unharmed. I suck in their scents, sandwiching myself between them. It keeps the whine from spilling from my throat.

A blanket wraps around us, then another. Dex’s deep voice sounds. “The ferals?”

I cling to Briggs, the vibrations of his voice soothing. “The woods are clear. No ferals. It doesn’t look like they’ve been back. Still no tracks or new scents near the wards.”

“But the dream?” I ask, stupid tears of relief falling down my cheeks.

Everyone is quiet.

I peek out from my hiding spot and twist to see Gage. “What happened?”

He pulls away from our embrace, pacing in the entryway.

Dex looks between the two of them. “Well?”

Gage runs his fingers through his hair, the movement agitated. His dark gaze spears me. “I’m sorry I freaked you out. I was wrong,” he admits, face twisted. “It must have been a nightmare.”

Briggs shakes his head in defiance. “There weren’t any ferals, but the dream was a good warning. The wards on the west side of the territory were flickering and needed recharging.”

Gage chuckles. “Yeah, let’s go with that. Not that I fucked up.”

“You fixed them? Nothing got in?” Dex growls.

Briggs pats his brother on the back. “We’re all good. Nothing but a magic battery issue.” His stomach growls. “Let’s eat because that run made me ravenous.”Briggs holds out his blanket-clad arm and tucks me into his side. “If there was ever a time for brownies and hot chocolate, it’s now.”

“You guys go snuggle with Nova. I’ll get something together,” Dex grumbles, moving toward the kitchen.

I kiss Briggs’s cheek but duck from his hold, racing back to throw myself at Gage.

“Sorry, little star. I’m so sorry,” he says over and over.

I hug his middle, breathing him in, so thankful he’s all right. “You have nothing to be sorry for. We’re all on edge.” I jump into his arms so he’s forced to catch me.

Gage takes a deep breath, nuzzling into my neck. Even though we don’t share a bite bond, I can feel all the things he doesn’t say. He’s scared. He doesn’t want to lose me.

I purr, letting him hear the reassurance in the sound. It says, “I see you. I’m scared too, but we’re okay.”

Please, let us be okay.

Chapter 33

Nova

Cramps have settled in, and they suck hardcore. Everything sort of aches. I feel bloated and hungry simultaneously in some cruel twist of fate. I put down the book I’m reading, flopping back onto the couch.

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